Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods for extraction of ions, including lithium ions. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to electrochemical ion exchange techniques, in which ion exchange is driven by electricity. In some embodiments, a fluid rich in target ions (e.g., a feed solution) may be present in a compartment containing a target-ion selective electrode, and target ions from the fluid may be incorporated into the electrode, e.g., by applying a suitable current to drive ion exchange. At a second time, the target ions may be removed from the electrode, e.g., into a fluid poor in target ions (e.g., a recovery solution), for example, by applying a suitable current to drive ion exchange. In addition, certain embodiments are generally directed to a stack of such compartments.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods for extraction of ions, including lithium ions, e.g., from aqueous solutions. For example, some aspects are generally directed to apparatuses in which ion exchange can be driven by electricity. Such apparatuses can be used, for example, to extract target ions (e.g., lithium) from a target-ion rich fluid to a target-ion poor fluid. However, in some cases, the target-ion rich fluid may be substantially impure or contain a variety of contaminants, which can adversely affect various components within the apparatus, for example, the electrodes used to supply electricity. Thus, certain embodiments are generally directed to apparatuses and methods that can address various physical, chemical, and/or biological problems associated with such fluids, including hydrodynamic dispersion, water splitting, pH variations, bubble generation, corrosion, scaling, fouling, bio-fouling, dissolution, softening, erosion, freezing, boiling, or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods for extraction of ions, including lithium ions. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to galvanic ion extraction techniques, which spontaneously passes current driven by potential differences between ions in two different fluids (e.g., one rich in a target ion, such as lithium, and one poor in the target ion). In some embodiments, target ions may be incorporated (e.g., deposited, intercalated, etc.) from an ion-rich fluid into a first electrode, while target ions may be removed from a second electrode into an ion-poor fluid, and in certain cases, the fluids may be intermittently switched, for example, such that the target ions may be removed from the first electrode and incorporated into the second electrode. In addition, certain embodiments are generally directed to a stack of compartments containing such electrodes, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a solid state electrolyte. The method includes a first step of combining a solid comprising lithium, a second solid comprising lanthanum, a third solid comprising zirconium, and a fourth solid comprising bismuth to form a mixture. The method includes a second step of applying simultaneous heat and pressure to the mixture to form a ceramic material. The solid state electrolyte is ionically conducting and can be used as an electrolyte for an electrochemical device such as a battery or supercapacitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a solid state electrolyte. The method includes a first step of combining a solid comprising lithium, a second solid comprising lanthanum, a third solid comprising zirconium, and a fourth solid comprising bismuth to form a mixture. The method includes a second step of applying simultaneous heat and pressure to the mixture to form a ceramic material. The solid state electrolyte is ionically conducting and can be used as an electrolyte for an electrochemical device such as a battery or supercapacitor.